What Education Do I Need to Become an Echocardiology Technician?

Echocardiology technicians use ultrasound technology to take photographs of patients' hearts. Technicians work closely with physicians to diagnose cardiovascular problems like heart disease. Aspiring echocardiology technicians must earn a degree in cardiovascular technology, but most employers prefer job applicants who have also trained in echocardiology.
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Required Education

An associate's degree in cardiovascular technology is a common requirement for echocardiology technician positions. Most associate degree programs include a year of core courses in areas like anatomy, biology, medical ethics, and vascular technology, followed by a year of specialized training. Students hoping to enter the field of echocardiology should specialize in non-invasive methods, where they learn about ultrasound technology. Since employers prefer applicants with hands-on training in the field, most degree programs require students to complete clinical experience in a hospital or doctor's office under the supervision of a cardiologist.

While the most common level of education completed by cardiovascular technologists and technicians in the U.S. is an associate's degree, there are four-year bachelor's degree programs available for students seeking a more rounded, less technical education. Employers prefer that technicians possess a degree from an accredited cardiovascular technology program. In all, there are 55 cardiovascular technology degree programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education across the country.

Coursework typically included in a program dedicated to cardiovascular technology includes some or all of the following:

Certification and Licensure

While most employers do not require job applicants to hold professional certification, options for becoming certified are available. Graduates of accredited programs can obtain professional certification in echocardiography or cardiographic techniques through Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. In a few states, professional certification is needed to obtain licensure.

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The schools in the listing below are not free and may include sponsored content but are
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